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Italy's Foreign Ministry eyes London riots

ROME, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Italian nationals in and around London are advised to avoid crowded areas in the city as rioting in England entered its fourth day, the Italian government said.

Demonstrators set two police cars on fire Saturday in London after roughly 300 people gathered to demand justice for a man killed by British police. Riots escalated during the weekend, leading authorities to arrest hundreds of people.

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British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday recalled members of the House of Commons from recess for a session Thursday to address rioting and civil unrest in London and other metropolitan areas.

The Italian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it was "closely monitoring developments" in London. All Italian citizens in the area were advised to avoid crowded areas and maintain close contacts with their consular affairs office.

Cameron said Tuesday that looters and violent demonstrators would "feel the full force of the law." At least 16,000 police officers would be on the streets by Wednesday, he added.

British Home Secretary Theresa May told the BBC the level of "thuggery" was the worst in "many, many years."

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